A stay abroad during your studies or even during your school years can be an incredible experience that you won't forget for you. Whether you decide to study abroad for a full degree, spend a semester in another country, do an internship abroad or go abroad as a student - all of these experiences offer you the opportunity to get to know a new culture, improve your language skills and make new friends. One important aspect that you should not forget when planning your stay abroad is how to finance it.
This is where student support abroad (AuslandsBAföG) becomes interesting, which can help you cover the costs of your stay.
What is AuslandsBAföG?
AuslandsBAföG is financial support for pupils and students who would like to complete part of their education abroad. It offers you the opportunity to finance your studies or school education abroad, regardless of whether you are going to an EU country, Switzerland or a more distant country such as the USA, Australia or Japan.
Please note: You may even be able to receive AuslandsBAföG alongside the Erasmus scholarship. The scholarship is not taken into account up to €300.
When is BAföG abroad granted?
The requirements for AuslandsBAföG are very abstract:
You must remain resident in Germany,
the training abroad must be equivalent to one in Germany and
it must last at least 6 months.
AuslandsBAföG is usually granted for a maximum of one year, unless you complete your entire degree programme abroad. If you are studying in the European Union or Switzerland, you can even receive funding for the entire standard period of study, which can be a huge relief. For students on an exchange programme, funding is usually granted for six to twelve months.
If you already receive normal student support (BAföG) in Germany, you also have a good chance of receiving it abroad. With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to. Check now!
Important to-dos before your stay abroad
Before you embark on your adventure abroad, there are a few things you should definitely clarify. These preparations will ensure that your stay goes as smoothly as possible:
Organise a credit card: In many countries, credit cards are the preferred method of payment. Especially in the USA, Canada or Australia, you can hardly get by without it. So find out in good time about the best credit card offers for students that allow you to withdraw and pay worldwide free of charge. There are often already good offers for digital cards.
Take out international health insurance for non-EU countries: Statutory health insurance only offers you protection within the EU and in countries with social agreements. For all other countries, such as the USA, New Zealand or Australia, you will need special international health insurance. This not only protects you against high treatment costs, but also covers repatriation to Germany if necessary. Tip: Many international health insurance policies also offer additional benefits such as liability or accident insurance.
Get a SIM card for abroad: Even in times of WLAN and WiFi hotspots, a local SIM card is often indispensable. This allows you to make cheap calls and surf the internet in your host country. Roaming charges are often exorbitant, especially outside the EU, so a local prepaid card is the best choice.
AuslandsBAföG as a pupil
Not only students benefit from the AuslandsBAföG, pupils can also receive funding for longer school stays abroad. Exchange programmes to the USA, England or Australia are particularly popular. Whether you live with a host family for six months or even attend a school abroad for a year - financial support from the AuslandsBAföG can help you realise this dream.
Volunteering abroad and AuslandsBAföG
It is also possible to receive AuslandsBAföG for volunteer work abroad if it is recognised as an internship as part of your studies. However, you must be enrolled at a German university for this. This option is particularly suitable for students who want to work in the fields of education, health or environmental protection, for example. Such a stay abroad is not only an enrichment for your CV, but also a valuable experience.
Visa, accommodation and other costs
In addition to tuition fees and living costs, you will often have to pay visa fees, which you should budget for. It is particularly important to apply for a student visa in good time if this is necessary for your destination country. You should also clarify the question of accommodation early on. Many universities offer places in halls of residence, which are often cheaper than a flat on the open market. Alternatively, you can stay in a shared flat or with a host family, which will give you additional insight into the culture of your host country.
Please note: There are even supplements for travel costs, additional costs for international health insurance or increased living costs with the AuslandsBAföG. Up to €5,600 can be subsidised for increased tuition fees for one year.
Application and procedure
You should apply for AuslandsBAföG at least six months before the start of your studies. The required documents are Form 1, proof of admission to the foreign university, a study plan and proof of income. However, it is advisable to apply for an advance decision beforehand. This will tell you whether you are entitled to AuslandsBAföG for your planned stay. Special BAföG offices and not your local office are responsible for AuslandsBAföG. You can find an overview here.
Conclusion
Whether you're studying in the USA for a semester, doing an internship in New Zealand or spending a year in Australia as a student - a stay abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn't miss. With AuslandsBAföG, you can fulfil this dream without having to worry too much about funding. Prepare yourself well, clarify all important questions in advance and enjoy your exciting time abroad!
With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to. Check now!